it was a wild country and Trent himself had drunk deep of its
lawlessness. A little accident with a knife, a carelessly handled
revolver, and the man who was destined to stand more than once in
his way would pass out of his life for ever. But in those days
Trent knew nothing of what was to come - which was just as well
for John Francis.

* * * * *

Monty was sitting up when they reached the hut, but at the sight
of Trent's companion he cowered back and affected sleepiness. This
time, however, Francis was not to be denied. He walked to Monty's
side, and stood looking down upon him.

"I think," he said gently, "that we have met before."

"A mistake," Monty declared. "Never saw you in my life. Just off
to sleep."

But Francis had seen the trembling of the man's lips, and his
nervously shaking hands.

"There is nothing to fear," he said; "I wanted to speak to you as
a friend."

"Don't know you; don't want to speak to you," Monty declared.

Francis stooped down and whispered a name in the ear of the sullen
man. Trent leaned forward, but he could not hear it - only he too
saw the shudder and caught the little cry which broke from the white